Tokyo: Worst Snowstorm in Recorded History

Another record snowfall hit Tokyo last night, following one earlier in the week that claimed 11 lives. Yesterday's storm has now been deemed the "worst in recorded history" for the city.

Because most residents take the train or ride bicycles to work, the thought of heavy snow invokes a sense of panic. Businesses shut down and train service gets suspended, leaving commuters out in the cold and miles from their homes outside the city.

By 6:00 PM Friday night, the scene at Kinshicho Station (near my office) had turned frantic. The railway companies, in an effort to get people home as quickly as possible, began waiving all fares.

Train after train passed through the station without stopping, bursting at the seams with riders (even by Tokyo standards). As the final trains departed, the sense of urgency among those left waiting quickly turned to despiration.

Lucky enough to beat the crowd, I exited the station and managed to hail one of the few remaining cabs outside... sharing my good fortune with a fellow commuter who, like me, was only trying to make it home.

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